VINTAGE FORD TRACTOR SERIAL NUMBERS AND MODEL IDENTIFICATIONIdentifying the exact model year of individual tractors can be a challenge. This is because all N-Series Tractor Serial Numbers are only stamped on the engine block. The serial numbers were hand-stamped and are often very difficult to read. The only other identifying marks to be found on the other castings are some date codes. The serial number information provided below is the best information I was able to compile from every source available to me. Please note that there is some overlap in the 9N and 2N serial numbers from one year to the next. This is because there is a lot of discrepancy between various published sources. There are several official FORD documents with statements that are in conflict with other official FORD documents. Of course, everyone who has a copy of one of these documents claims it is genuine and accurate. Often improvements were made by Ford in the middle of a production run. This may be one reason there is confusion about exactly where each model year stopped. Also, most parts (including engines) are directly interchangeable. A tractor that has been in service for over 50-years has had plenty of opportunities for parts to be swapped around. BASIC SPECIFICATIONSFord 9N 28 H.P., 119.7 cubic inch displacement, 4 cylinder "flathead" engine with direct-driven, front-mounted, distributor, 3-speed transmission, 6V negative ground electrical system, generator, Ferguson hydraulic implement attachment and control system, Power takeoff, and 5-lug 19” front wheels. Built from 1939-1942 at Dearborn, Michigan Serial Numbers 1939 9N1 - to as high as 9N10310 1940 Not lower than 9N10234 to as high as 9N46017 1941 Not lower than 9N45976 to as high as 9N88933 1942 Not lower than 9N88888 to as high as 9N105411 1943 Not lower than 9N99047 to as high as 9N109500 Ford 2N Due to war shortages, some had all steel wheels without rubber tires. Generator and battery were replaced by a magneto ignition. Hand crank was standard instead of an option. All other specifications are similar to Ford 9N. Many 2N's were returned to 9N specifications after the war, especially with regard to wheels and rubber tires. Built from 1942 or 1943 to 1947 at Dearborn, Michigan Serial Numbers - (Note Prefix is still 9N) 1942 Not lower than 9N99003 to as high as 9N105411 1943 Not lower than 9N105375 to as high as 9N126574 1944 Not lower than 9N126538 to as high as 9N170017 1945 Not lower than 9N169982 to as high as 9N198766 1946 Not lower than 9N198731 to as high as 9N258539 1947 Not lower than 9N258504 to around 9N306221 Ford 8N I couldn't resist. This is of course not an original 8N, it is the picture of my 1952. The vertical exhaust is an aftermarket improvement, the original exhaust ran under the right floorboard. The new 1947 8N was a major redesign that went much further than the new "red belly" paint scheme. The front-distributor, 4 cylinder "flathead" engine got a slight increase in compression, and the transmission was now a 4-speed. Modifications to the hydraulic implement control system added a new position control lever under the seat. These changes may have been an attempt to avoid violating the Ferguson patents and the "Ferguson System" emblem was no longer displayed on the grill. Full-length running boards were added and both brake pedals were moved to the right side. Rear wheels were redesigned with smaller hubs and the front wheels were changed to 6-lug, 19” or 16”. As in the past, improvements continued to show up on the 8N tractors, often without regard to a particular model year. The steering gear was redesigned sometime in 1949, the new side distributor engine appeared in mid-1950, and headlight "wing" mounts changed to the round type. By the time production ended in 1952, a proof-meter had been added to the dash, the upper lift arms were improved, and the transmission housing was changed to allow for a slower (larger) reverse grear. Built from 1947-1952 at Dearborn, Michigan Serial Numbers - (Note Change To 8N Prefix) 1947 8N1 to 8N37907 1948 8N37908 to 8N141369 1949 8N141370 to 8N245636 1950 8N245637 to 8N343592 1951 8N343593 to 8N442034 1952 8N442035 to 8N524076 Some records indicate 8N production ended with serial number 8N519146 but then there are individuals who insist their 1952 8N tractor has a higher serial number. Serial number 8N524076 is the highest 8N number I have seen an actual photograph of.
Please remember, it has been well over 50 years since production of the 8N tractor ended. Many parts are interchangable and older tractors have often been upgraded with improved parts from newer tractors. Many tractors have had engines and other parts replaced due to things like cracked or broken castings. It can be difficult to determine if a tractor is all original or not. Years of paint can easily conceal mismatched parts. You may discover something like I did. Most of my tractor's parts were cast in 1948 or 49 but the engine serial number was for a 1940-9N! There is nothing wrong with that if you are looking for a working tractor. But if you have an original tractor, with all matching parts, it would be worth more to a collector.
Ford made many changes nearly every year these tractors were produced. Based on those changes it is usually possible to nail down the exact year of manufacture for various parts. Low 9N and 8N serial numbers are obviously worth more. The earliest 9N's had cast aluminum hoods that are very rare and collectable today. An original 1939 9N or a 2N on steel wheels with magneto ignition might be the holy grail of collectable N-Series tractors. However, since parts are still readily available, most of these well designed, extremely durable machines can continue in service, without any danger of harming the investment value, as long as they are properly maintained. If you would like more pictures and detailed information regarding various changes that occurred in specific model years, check out John Smith's site
HERE. |
